At the 2012 Intermot Motorcycle Show, Yamaha unveiled something entirely different that would soon “shape” its product lineup – an inline three engine.

The triple was something new to Yamaha’s modern world. From the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer’s first street bike – the 1955 YA-1 125cc 2-stroke – to all 2013 models, Yamaha has only had limited success with one triple – the XS750/XS850 (1976-1981). But Yamaha success with triples will surely change in the future.

Though Yamaha didn’t release the exact cc at Intermot, the assumption was around 750. And further assumptions pointed towards the engine ending up powering the YZF-R6, helping to create a direct competitor to some sportbikes that have been making the headlines lately, including the Triumph Dayton 675 and the MV Agusta F3.

But late on Tuesday evening, Yamaha released the details about this mysterious triple to the public. The triple, which turned out to be 847cc, would be stuffed into an entirely new Yamaha motorcycle – the FZ-09.

The 2014 FZ-09 builds upon Yamaha’s popular naked sportbike, the FZ8. With its even-firing, MotoGP-derived crossplane crankshaft triple (think a crossplane YZR-R1 engine with a cylinder chopped off), the FZ-09 offers a bit more sport over the FZ8, all while offering the new bike at a lower MSRP.

Yamaha put much R&D into the FZ-09, including the use of a study that targeted the 57 most important reasons why people purchase a naked sportbike. Leading the way was rider positioning, followed closely by cornering performance and physical size of the bike.

Yamaha says the new 847cc Triple produces 65 ft.lbs. of torque, more than the BMW F 800 R (63), the Yamaha FZ8 (61), the Ducati Monster 796 (58), the Triumph Street Triple 675 (50) and the Triumph Bonneville T100 (50). These bikes are clear competitors to Yamaha’s new FZ-09, but the bike Yamaha compares its newest machine mostly with its own FZ8.

Yamaha offered many contrasts to the FZ8, including the FZ-09 having:

A shorter wheelbase, and less trail than the FZ8

Lighter wheels by 0.85 lbs.

53 lbs. less wet weight for a total of 414 lbs.

Handlebar grips that are 53mm taller and 40mm back

Footrests that are 26mm lower and 2mm back

Narrower at the seat/tank junction for more comfort

And finally, Yamaha highlights that the new FZ-09 will be offered for $7,990, almost $1,000 cheaper than the FZ8’s MSRP of $8,890.

Following are the highlights, specs, color options and MSRP for the 2014 Yamaha FZ-09.

Some of the advantages of the three-cylinder engine in the FZ-09 include linear torque development due to the even firing intervals that provide smooth torque characteristics and a good feeling of power up into the low to mid rpm range, as well as combining desirable characteristics of both 2-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines. In addition, the engine design can be light, slim and compact.

To reduce vibration and help give a smoother ride, the engine has a primary coupled-force balancer that revolves in the opposite direction and at the same speed as the crankshaft.

The connection rods are made using the fracture split (FS) method to ensure a high degree of circular precision in the rod’s big-end ring for a precise fit and smoother crank revolution. The fracture split (FS) method is where the big-end ring of a forged connecting rod is split in two by applying a sharp impact. This creates a perfectly matching split surface that naturally produces a much more precise mating surface when they are bolted together again around the crankshaft.

To provide both exciting and quick revving torque characteristics and a unique intake sound, the 3-cylinder intake funnels have been designed with uneven lengths. The first cylinder funnel is 102.8mm, the second 82.8mm and the third is 122.8mm. This combines with the effects of the YCC-T system to contribute to an excellent torquey engine character.

The FZ-09 transmission takes full advantage of the low- to mid-range torque and excellent response characteristics of this in-line, 3-cylinder fuel-injected engine. The 6-speed transmission has been designed to be very compact, enhancing the overall narrow 3-cylinder design.

Chassis/Suspension:

The wheelbase, seat height, fuel tank width, rake and other dimensions are all set to work with the qualities of the compact 3-cylinder engine to achieve a sporty, light and neutral handling character, an upright riding position and a narrow feeling chassis at the seat/tank junction.

For excellent damping characteristics, the front suspension is an inverted fork with 41mm inner tubes with 5.4 inches of travel. The front suspension features adjustment for spring preload and rebound damping.

The rear suspension features a linked-type motocross shock. The shock is positioned below the seat and features an almost horizontal alignment. This unique position contributes to mass centralization and a slimmer body design. The rear suspension is also adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. These adjustments allow for different riding conditions and rider preferences.

Newly designed, 10-spoke lightweight cast aluminum wheels are used, fitted with a 120/70 ZR17 front tire and 180/55/ ZR 17 rear tire. The tires have been designed with an optimally-tuned internal structure that contributes to good handling stability.

Front brakes consists of two floating 298mm discs with 4-pot opposed piston calipers. The newly designed calipers are radial mounted.

Electronics:

The ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system senses the slightest throttle input by the rider, relays the data to the ECU, which instantaneously calculates the ideal throttle valve opening based on engine rpm and throttle opening, and then sends commands to a servo-motor actuator that moves the throttle valve which actively controls the intake airflow volume. This is a technology contributing to the rider’s feeling of torque and controllability from the new 3-cylinder engine.

The FZ-09 is equipped with Yamaha D-MODE (or “Drive Mode”) variable throttle control system to allow the rider to choose the optimum engine character for their riding situation. The rider can choose at will from three throttle valve control maps (Standard Mode, “A” Mode, and “B” Mode) for different performance characteristics. Operation is performed by a button on the handlebars. STD Mode is set to accommodate a wide range of riding conditions. In this mode the rider can enjoy the 3-cylinder engine’s linear torque feeling from low speeds all the way up to high speeds. A Mode lets the rider enjoy sharper throttle response in the low-to mid-rpm range than the STD Mode. B Mode lets the rider enjoy milder throttle response than the STD Mode for more relaxed power characteristics.

Additional Features:

The aluminum, tapered-type handlebars – a first for a Yamaha sportbike – provide a good balance of strength and light weight.

The fuel tank, with its deeply recessed knee grip area, contributes to a narrow seat/tank juncture.

Newly designed lightweight, compact, full LCD instrument panel is adopted. The tachometer has a digital bar-type display with gear position indicator. The electric starter button is a new slide-type that incorporates the engine cut-off switch is an integrated button for a modern and high quality appearance.

The brake pedal, shift pedal and footrests are made of forged aluminum for light weight and excellent appearance.

The LED taillight has separate left and right lamps that illuminate when the taillight is on and across the entire lens when the brake light is on.